Why Acadia National Park Is One of America’s Must-Visit Destinations

It took me more than 67 years, but I finally visited Acadia National Park in Maine last fall. I can't wait to return.

Why Acadia National Park Is So Popular

According to Boston.com, "Maine's Acadia National Park, named among the 10 most popular national parks in the U.S. in 2025, is gearing up for another busy season."

"The park has the tallest coastal mountains on the eastern seaboard, and Cadillac Mountain is one of the first places to see the sunrise in the U.S.," wrote Boston.com. "The park's Sand Beach was named among America's best beaches to visit in 2026 by Condé Nast Traveller."

Acadia is the real deal, drawing an estimated four million visitors annually. The National Park Service refers to Acadia National Park as the "Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coast."

The magnificent city of Bar Harbor is the "gateway" to Acadia National Park. A free, highly efficient shuttle system operated by Island Explorer connects the park to the city and most hotels seamlessly.

Things to Do in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park offers hiking and biking trails for all skill levels, and the carriage roads are open to e-bikes, which you can rent in Bar Harbor. My wife and I rented e-bikes for the day and had a blast.

Best Time to Visit Acadia

Acadia National Park is very busy in the late spring and summer, but not so much in the fall. We visited in September, and crowds were quite manageable.

Keep in mind that while most of Acadia remains open year-round, shops, restaurants, and hotels in Bar Harbor begin to close for the season by mid-October.

Exploring Bar Harbor and Local Highlights

The Jordan Pond House is located in the heart of Acadia National Park and features indoor and outdoor dining with a breathtaking view of Jordan Pond. The Jordan Pond House popover is a must.

Maine is known for its lobster, and Bar Harbor will not disappoint.

Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are about five hours by car from New Bedford.